An Assessment of the Effect of The Leadership Style on Divisions in The Church:Insights From Selected Pentecostal Assemblies of God in Bahati District
Date
2015-09
Authors
Shitemi, Seth Asava
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Publisher
Pan Africa Christian University
Abstract
From the historical account of divisions experienced by PAG church in Kenya. The church has disintegrated into nearly ten different denominations. This division is a symptom of problems in the church. The broad objective of the study was to make an assessment of the effect of leadership styles on divisions at PAG. The study sought to achieve the following specific objectives: to identify the causes of division in church from the perspective of leaders and members of local Assemblies in Bahati District; to establish the leadership styles practiced by church leaders as perceived by fellow leaders; to determine the relationship between perceived leadership styles and division in the church: to propose a model for effective Christian leadership for church unity. The researcher applied descriptive research design. Multi-stage sampling technique was used. A sample of 8 local Assemblies, representing 20% of the population size was targeted. Data was collected from a total of 48 respondents comprising of board members of the 8 local Assemblies using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using
percentage frequencies as well as mean scores and correlation analysis.' The major findings showed that church property and finances were the leading causes of division in church, followed by leadership wrangles and church doctrine. Majority of the respondents identified charismatic leadership, servant leadership and democratic leadership styles as the dominant styles adopted by church leaders at PAG. The relationship between division in church and leadership styles was not statistically significant. Division at PAG was caused by poor financial stewardship. This manifest in disagreements associated with the management of church property and finances. The second leading cause of division at the church was perceived leadership wrangles by some church leaders that sow seeds of discord in the church. To some extent, division at the church is also caused by disagreement over doctrinal issues. However, church constitution did not cause division in the church. It was concluded that Church leaders at MG practiced a combination of three leadership styles. However, neither charismatic leadership.
Democratic leadership, servant leadership nor political leadership styles was significantly related to division in the church. In order to consolidate the unity fostered by church leaders, it was proposed that Biblical Stewardship that puts emphasis on spiritual accountability be practiced as a model for effective Christian leadership for church unity and for stemming potential future divisions at Pentecostal Assemblies of God churches in Kenya. Further study was recommended on the area of corporate governance as a dimension of good stewardship.
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Keywords
Causes of Divisions in The Church,Relationship Between Leadership Style and Division in Church,Leadership Style and The Context of The Church
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